Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has issued a strong warning to Commandants stationed in the Niger Delta States.

The Commandant General emphasized the need for full compliance with a Presidential order aimed at eliminating economic saboteurs, vandals, and other criminal elements operating within the nation’s oil sector.

In a statement released by Commandant Olusola Odumosu, the Director of Public Relations at the NSCDC Headquarters, it was revealed that the Commandant General read the Riot Act to the Commandants during a recent meeting. The directive to enforce the Presidential order was given to ensure the protection and security of the oil sector from activities that undermine its operations and national interests.

This stern warning signifies the determination of the NSCDC to tackle the issue of oil theft and related criminal activities effectively. The Commandant General’s directive emphasizes the need for the Commandants in the Niger Delta States to be proactive in their duties and take immediate action to combat the menace of economic sabotage and vandalism in the oil sector.

“Having summoned the concerned State Commandants to the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja, the CG gave them marching orders to immediately rejig their anti-vandal units as a measure to arrest oil theft and vandalism of critical national assets”, he stated.

Commandant Olusola Odumosu further stated that the Commandant General (CG) issued a stern warning, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, and other illicit activities involving petroleum products. The CG stressed that anyone found involved in aiding or abetting economic saboteurs would be subjected to the full extent of the law. 

“This meeting became necessary to convey President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the absolute need to end all sharp practices in the nation’s oil sector.

“Oil remains the mainstay of our economy, you must therefore rejig your Anti-vandal Units to end the problem of oil theft in compliance with the Federal Government’s directives.

“We have a duty to protect our oil and gas sector from vandalism and prevent illegal bunkerers from destroying our oil installations, infrastructure, and earnings” the CG stressed.

During the meeting, Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi instructed the State Commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of oil facilities throughout the country. He urged them to collaborate closely with host communities and gather reliable intelligence to effectively combat the menace of oil theft.

Furthermore, the Commandant General emphasized the importance of properly securing all exhibits and maintaining the security of exhibit centers. He stressed the need for strict adherence to the code of ethics and standard operating procedures of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Audi made it clear that his administration would not tolerate any compromise or unethical conduct from any command or personnel. He assured the Commandants that he would hold them accountable for any instances of oil theft, acts of indiscipline, or breakdown of law and order within their respective jurisdictions.